Soldier Onboarding Checklist

Soldier Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Soldier starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Military onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Soldier, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Soldier onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Soldier Onboarding Checklist

1. Initial paperwork and documentation: This task involves completing all necessary paperwork and documentation required for employment, such as filling out personal information forms, tax forms, and emergency contact information. The human resources department or administrative staff typically handles this task to ensure all necessary information is collected and processed accurately.

2. Security clearance and background checks: Soldiers often require security clearances to access classified information or work on sensitive projects. This task involves initiating the security clearance process, which includes background checks, fingerprinting, and interviews. The security or intelligence department within the military organization is responsible for conducting these checks and granting clearances.

3. Uniform and equipment issue: Soldiers are provided with uniforms and equipment specific to their role and responsibilities. This task involves receiving and fitting the soldier with the appropriate uniform, boots, protective gear, and any specialized equipment required for their job. The supply or logistics department within the military organization typically handles this task.

4. Basic training and orientation: This task involves providing new soldiers with basic training and orientation to familiarize them with the military’s structure, policies, and procedures. It includes physical fitness training, drill and ceremony instruction, and classroom sessions on military ethics, regulations, and expectations. Trained instructors or drill sergeants are responsible for conducting this training.

5. Introduction to unit and chain of command: Soldiers need to understand the structure of their unit and the chain of command within the military organization. This task involves introducing new soldiers to their immediate superiors, such as platoon sergeants or squad leaders, as well as higher-ranking officers. The soldier’s immediate supervisor or a designated mentor typically performs this task.

6. Job-specific training: Soldiers have specific roles and responsibilities within the military, such as infantry, logistics, or intelligence. This task involves providing job-specific training to ensure soldiers are proficient in their assigned tasks. Subject matter experts or trainers within the military organization are responsible for conducting this training.

7. Physical fitness assessment: Physical fitness is crucial for soldiers to perform their duties effectively. This task involves conducting a physical fitness assessment to determine the soldier’s baseline fitness level and identify any areas that require improvement. Physical training instructors or fitness coordinators typically perform this assessment.

8. Weapons qualification and safety training: Soldiers often need to handle and operate various weapons and equipment. This task involves providing soldiers with weapons qualification training, teaching them proper handling, safety procedures, and marksmanship skills. Trained weapons instructors or range safety officers are responsible for conducting this training.

9. Introduction to military culture and values: Soldiers need to understand and embrace the military’s culture, values, and traditions. This task involves providing new soldiers with an introduction to military customs, courtesies, and traditions, as well as instilling core values such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Experienced soldiers or military chaplains often perform this task.

10. Deployment readiness training: Soldiers may be required to deploy to various locations for missions or operations. This task involves providing deployment readiness training, including survival skills, cultural awareness, language training, and mission-specific preparation. Trained instructors or subject matter experts within the military organization are responsible for conducting this training

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Soldier checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Soldier up to speed and working well in your Military team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.